4082.0: Tuesday, November 14, 2000 - 9:14 AM

Abstract #16742

History, politics, and public health: Theories of disease distribution across time and culture

Nancy Krieger, PhD, Department of Health and Social Behavior, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, 617-432-1571, nkrieger@hsph.harvard.ecu

This presentation will focus on social and scientific contexts, content, and implications of diverse theories of disease distribution, both past and present. It will consider how these theories shape questions people ask aboout -- and explanations and interventions they offer for -- patterns of health, disease, and well-being in their societies. The presentation will examine theories of disease distribution developed in ancient Greece, Rome, and China, and also review diverse Indian, African, Islamic, American Indian, Latin American, and medieval European theories of disease distribution. In additon, theories employed in past and present epidemiologic research will be explored because of their influence on current efforts to understand and improve the public's health. The presentation will consider the rise of epidemiology as a distinct discipline in both Europe and the US and emphasize relationships between epidemiologic theory and practice. Of interest is the ability of various epidemiologic theories to explain social inequalities in health based on class, race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, or other social groupings.

Learning Objectives: To develop an historical and critical perspective concerning current theories of disease distribtion. To identify ways of incorporating this perspective into public health research and interventions

Keywords: History, Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA